You might remember that we reported back in March that the popular Hastings-Sunrise diner Red Wagon was shutting for a month for a complete refit and checked in again as construction progressed. Well, it’s reopened now, and as of today it’s running until midnight. I took a look inside yesterday afternoon and had my bell totally rung by a few fantastic bites. Here’s the official skinny, plus some photos I took on the fly:

The Red Wagon officially reopens today after closing for renovations at the end of March. The soul of the diner remains intact while the structure and surface have been rebuilt and refreshed. The drop ceiling was removed to reveal the room’s original cedar beams; a slick black and white checkered floor lays wall-to-wall; a proper bar rests in place of the old lunch counter; the room has been painted; new light fixtures hung; and some impressive carpentry work can be seen throughout the servery.

When Brad Miller opened his restaurant six years ago, he intended to build a community meeting place. He envisioned family and friends comfortably catching up over a nostalgic meal. Accomplishing his original plan while remaining in tune to the changing needs of the neighbourhood, Miller has expanded his offerings and hours.

“The neighbourhood is changing,” says Brad Miller, owner of The Red Wagon and Bistro Wagon Rouge. “I want to give people a place to hang their hat at night as well as during the day. Somewhere they can enjoy a perfectly prepared omelette and a well executed gin and tonic.”

The comprehensive weekend brunch menu is now available all day long, seven days a week boasting new dishes, some from The Red Wagon’s very first menu. Guests will be thrilled to learn they can order eggs benedict Monday through Friday as well as on the weekends. The original D.L.T. (duck, lettuce and tomato) and classic clubhouse sandwiches have reappeared, while many fan favourites including the famous pulled pork pancakes, Pemberton Meadows beef burger and tofu scramble remain. In addition to the regular menu, Brad Miller and chef Matthew Thompson will feature bar snacks and elevated classic diner offerings, like meat loaf studded with corn bread and pork belly, after 5 p.m.

Accompanying the new bar is a condensed cocktail menu. Keeping consistent with the kitchen’s commitment to working with quality ingredients and supporting local purveyors, the drink list proudly showcases sodas, tonics and gin from Vancouver Island’s Phillips Soda Works and Fermentorium. The Red Wagon is happy to be located smack in the middle of an exploding craft beer and spirits community; beer from neighbouring breweries, including Powell St. and Strange Fellows, and products from Odd Society Sprits are woven throughout the list. In addition to draught beer, prosecco and white wine is available on tap, ensuring a fresh glass every single time.

The Red Wagon was named as a nod to Brad Miller’s childhood love of rocketing down hills in his little red wagon. The thrill of opening his first restaurant was reminiscent of this. Now, Miller is taking a new risk by extending his hours until midnight. The Red Wagon is open until 12 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday and until 3:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

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